Interview with Chris Cannon

1. How’d you get started writing?

I fell in love with books set at boarding schools after reading the Harry Potter books and The Vampire Academy series. I wanted to create my own world set at a boarding school. Wizards and vampires were already popular, so I decided to try shape-shifting dragons.

2. Name the worst/best moment of your writing career.

The best moment of my career was when Entangled Publishing offered me a contract for Going Down In Flames. The worst part would be the rejection letters I received before Entangled made the offer.

3. What do you hope to impart to readers through your writing?

I love to make people laugh. While Going Down In Flames touches on the themes of bullying and prejudice my main goal is to entertain people and give them a mini-vacation form their every-day lives.

4. What advice would you give unpublished writers trying to break in to publication?

Join a critique group and read, read, read.

5. In a few paragraphs, tell us about Going Down in Flames and any future projects you have going on.

Going Down In Flames is the first book in my shape-shifting dragon series. Book two is on my editor’s desk. I’m halfway through book three. Here is the back cover copy:

Finding out on your sixteenth birthday you’re a shape-shifting dragon is tough to swallow. Being hauled off to an elite boarding school is enough to choke on.

Since Bryn is the only crossbreed at the Institute for Excellence, all eyes are on her, but it’s a particular black dragon, Zavien, who catches her attention.
Zavien is tired of the Directorate’s rules. Segregated clans, being told who to love, and close-minded leaders make freedom of choice almost impossible. The new girl with the striped hair is a breath of fresh air, and with Bryn’s help, they may be able to change the rules.

At the Institute, old grudges, new crushes, and death threats are all part of a normal day for Bryn. She’ll need to learn to control her dragon powers if she wants to make it through her first year at school. But even focusing on staying alive is difficult when you’re falling for someone you can’t have.

Nice interview, ladies. I didn’t know this was part of a series either. Very exciting! Book one is waiting for me on my Kindle:-) best of luck with finishing book three. I know how hard it is to tie all the plot lines and details together. I’m currently working on book three of the Chronicles of Lily Carmichael trilogy…oy, the details!

I have the distinct feeling that there will be more than three books in this series. I can’t see how I can pull it all together in one more book. Plus I love long series like The Mortal Instruments and The Morganville Vampires. Good luck on your third book and thanks for commenting.